Batting on a majestic 367 not out during the second Test against Zimbabwe, Mulder stood just 33 runs away from eclipsing Lara’s highest-ever individual score in men’s Test cricket, that has remained unchallenged since 2004

With South Africa cruising at 626 for 5, Mulder decided to declare the innings shortly after lunch, prioritising giving his bowlers ample time to exploit a wearing pitch

Mulder’s 367 now ranks as the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, pushing West Indies legend Garfield Sobers’ 365, crafted in 1958, down a notch on the prestigious list. Lara’s record itself is steeped in cricketing romance. The West Indies great famously scored 400 not out against England at St John’s, Antigua, 21 years ago, reclaiming the record he had initially seized with a breathtaking 375, also against England, a decade prior

Yet here was Mulder, not only within striking distance but also with seemingly little to stop him. As news spread of his declaration, reactions poured in from every corner of the cricketing world. Some hailed it as an act of rare selflessness, a refreshing throwback to an era when the team’s fortunes unequivocally trumped individual exploits. Others, however, lamented a lost chance to witness history being rewritten—arguing that such records elevate the entire sport and inspire future generations

"Firstly, I thought we had enough and we needed to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of that stature to keep that record is deserved," Mulder said after the end of the day's play. "If I get the chance to do it again, I'd do it exactly the same way. I spoke to Shuks (Shukri Conrad) and he felt the same way. Brian Lara is a legend and he deserves to keep that record."